Bookmobile News

Hopefully you caught it…a terrific article in the Press Democrat penned by Rayne Wolfe. Responding with enthusiasm when I wrote to her about the bookmobile, Rayne featured us in a prime spot in the community section of the Sunday, May 17th edition.

The response from the public has touched me deeply. It seems we’re on to something here, something that speaks to childhood memories, a love of reading, and the responsibility so many feel to help inspire young and older minds alike. We have received offers to come speak, offers to do local collection drives, offers to help in whatever way possible. And books! The books are coming, literally (in one case) by the truckload!

Our trajectory tilts ever higher. A huge thank you to the local press: to Crista Jeremiason, who took a great photograph for the story, and especially to Rayne. She continues to advise and cheer for us – a gift we will always cherish.

As the traditional spring warmth washes over lush hill and dale, I am lifted in the knowledge that, thanks to our new friends around the county, we will soon be gazing at stacks of books above our heads. Petaluma and Sonoma Valley Friends of the Library will be holding their quarterly book sales this weekend and the Free Bookmobile will be the lucky recipient of some of the leftovers.

We have also been in touch with the Friends President in Cloverdale, who has books for us and as well, some important local information about where to distribute. Indeed, once we are loaded up, it will be critical to establish the best locations to reach the most needy folks out there. Please drop us a line if you know of a good place to give away books in a rural town.

And thanks for all the letters of support!

As further evidence that momentum is building, we have just gratefully received offers from two different contractors to help with any conversions necessary to make a trailer suitable to task.  These conversions might include repair of exterior, building of shelves, installation of lighting and power conduits, etc.  It’s a great feeling to know that we have experts ready with the right tools to make a bookmobile.  And so I continue to comb craigslist and the freebies for the trailer itself…

A friend recently suggested we could even build walls and a roof around a flatbed trailer.  I love that kind of enthusiasm!

Thanks to the helpful folks at the Sonoma County Library, introductions are beginning between the Sonoma County Free Bookmobile and the regional non-profits known as “Friends of the Library”.  This looks to be a crucial source of books, as there are often hundreds available after the Friends hold thier quarterly book sales.

Sonoma Valley Friends has been the first to step up and make a commitment to supply the bookmobile after their May sale.  In addition to the private donations coming in, this generous offer should put us in business for our first distribution days.  We are, however, still looking for a cargo trailer.

We must extend special thanks to Petaluma Branch Manager Doug Cisney and his staff, who have offered their time and expertise in advising the project.  Thanks, Doug!

Welcome, good citizens, to our little news corner.

Not only are books cool, but when you bring a new one home and dive in, you are sharing in someone’s dream, someone’s passion. Our family is ready to dust off some books that are not being read and get them back into circulation. All we need is a trailer or truck and we’re in business.

I will be playing the national anthem to kick off the first day of service, and you are cordially invited.

Stay tuned!

Glen